A police trainer referred to recruits using offensive slurs and made derogatory comments about Katie Price's disabled son Harvey in WhatsApp messages, a misconduct hearing has revealed.
Details of the Messages
Greater Manchester Police Sergeant Natalie Dolan, who has over 20 years of experience and trains young officers, sent messages that included terms like 'lickers' and 'sp*ckers'. The hearing was told she expressed dismay at the quality of recruits. In one message, she allegedly said: 'He won't answer you. He is a white male. He is racist.'
Counsel for GMP, Stephen Morley, referenced another message where she referred to Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson as an 'ar*e'. The messages, exchanged from May 2021 onwards, were described as racist, sexist, ableist, and offensive.
Allegations and Defense
It is alleged that Sgt Dolan shared confidential information about other officers with a former colleague, PC Jones, and failed to declare a conflict of interest. The force claims these actions amount to gross misconduct. However, Sgt Dolan denies gross misconduct and a conflict of interest, arguing the conversations were private.
Her counsel, Jennifer Ferrario, stated that the 'Harvey' message was a joke referencing a GIF posted by Katie Price herself. She claimed the term 'sp*cker' was a typo for 'slacker', and 'licker' meant 'ar** licker'. Regarding the 'mosque' comment, she said it referred to a recruitment event held at a mosque.
Character References and Regret
Character references described Sgt Dolan as a 'model police officer' and 'go-to sergeant' who was inclusive and supportive. Ms Ferrario said: 'She regrets her actions. She regrets the messages that she admits to sending and that they were disparaging and or offensive. She has made admissions and expressed her regret and remorse.'
The hearing continues at GMP headquarters, chaired by Chief Resource Officer Lee Rawlinson.
